Overview & Reviews

Introduced more than a decade ago, the Ford Focus was one of the first small cars from a domestic automaker that was truly competitive with traditionally more dominant models from Japan. An affordable price, sharp handling, expressive styling and availability in multiple body styles all contributed to making this one of Ford's most popular cars worldwide.

Since that time, Ford has gone on to introduce second and third generations of the Focus. Sadly, the second generation lost a lot of the mojo built up by the original, first-generation model and is hard to recommend as a used car. However, Ford has refocused its efforts for the latest Focus, and as such it stands as one of our top picks for a small hatchback or sedan.

Current Ford Focus
Available in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles, the Ford Focus boasts eye-catching styling and a sharply designed interior fitted with high-quality materials. There are three main trim levels: S, SE and Titanium, as well as an electric version. The high-performance Focus ST is reviewed separately.

The only engine available is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic, the latter actually being a dual-clutch automated manual. Fuel economy is very good no matter what you pick, and with the available Super Fuel Economy package, the Focus earns a 33-mpg-combined estimate from the EPA.

If you don't want to use any gas at all, there's the Focus Electric, which is strictly battery-powered like Nissan's Leaf. Propelled by a 107-kilowatt (143-hp) electric drive motor and powered by a 23kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Focus Electric has an estimated range of about 76 miles between charges. It can be recharged in just 4 hours from a 240-volt power source. Owners can also keep tabs on their electric Focus' charging state via smartphone integration.

Even the base Focus S comes with air-conditioning, full power features, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. Moving up through the trims gets you luxuries such as Ford's Sync voice-activated phone/audio interface, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, keyless ignition and entry, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. There's also MyFord Touch, which features a large center touchscreen that minimizes button clutter. Options include a navigation system and an automated parallel parking assist system.

In reviews, we've been impressed by the Focus' refined road manners. Handling is sharp, with little body lean in the corners, while the steering is communicative and fairly quick. The ride is firm but well controlled over bumps. The 2.0-liter engine deserves praise as well, as it provides above-average performance and fuel economy. Changing gears with the five-speed manual transmission adds to the fun, though a sixth gear would be appreciated on longer freeway jaunts. The automatic is the one fly in the Focus' driving ointment, as it upshifts too quickly and is reluctant to downshift unless the throttle pedal is mashed to the floor.

Inside, the Focus boasts excellent materials, supportive seats and a hushed environment. Relative to its competitors, though, the backseat is a little cramped and the electronics interface can be unintuitive. But all in all, the Focus is a well-rounded, well-built economy car that is easy to recommend.

Used Ford Focus Models
A complete redesign of the Focus took place for 2012, and this generation represents massive improvements in the areas of cabin quality, overall performance and high-end features availability. Apart from subsequent minor equipment and trim level shuffling, these Foci are similar to the current model. The Focus Electric debuted for 2012.

The second-generation Focus ran from 2008-'11. It was available in coupe and sedan body styles until the final year, when only the sedan was offered. More squared-off styling distinguished it from the first Focus. Motivation was provided by a 2.0-liter inline-4 making 140 hp (130 in California-emissions states) hooked up to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Originally, the trim levels included base S, midgrade SE and sporty SES for both body styles. Ford's Sync system, which allowed voice control over cell phones and the audio system, was available and unusual for the economy car segment.

The following year the coupe's front fenders lost their glitzy chrome trim, and the trim levels were shuffled. Coupes were available in SE and SES trims, while the sedan came in S, SE, SES and leather-lined SEL trims. Stability control became optional but then was made standard for 2010.

A used Focus from this generation makes for a value-packed choice, but most competitors were stronger vehicles overall. It offered solid and reliable transportation with a few notable perks like the available Sync system, but the cabin lacked the more upscale materials quality that segment front-runners had. And although it offered a reasonably pleasant driving experience along with excellent fuel economy, its handling wasn't as finely honed as that of some sportier rivals such as the Mazda 3.

When the Ford Focus debuted for 2000, it was available as a two-door hatchback (ZX3) or as a sedan (ZX4) or wagon (ZXW). The base engine was an anemic SOHC 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated for 110 hp, or a preferable DOHC 2.0-liter engine called the Zetec that was good for 130 hp. Transmission choices were a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. These earlier Focus models went through a variety of changes, many of which are important to pay attention to if you're looking for a used Focus. In particular, Ford continually tinkered with the car's trim levels and availability of standard and optional features. From 2000-'04, the trim levels were typically base LX, midgrade SE and high-line ZTS. Antilock brakes and front-seat side airbags were optional equipment, and stability control was offered for a few years starting in 2001.

For 2002, Ford added a four-door hatchback (the "ZX5"). Starting in '04, the Focus gained an available 2.3-liter inline-4 that offered 145 hp and cleaner emissions. A 170-hp four-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission were featured in the short-lived and rare Focus SVT hatchback. Coveted by young enthusiasts, the SVT Focus was offered as a hatchback from 2002-'04. For 2005, the Focus got a more modest refresh that provided cosmetic changes on the outside, a revised control layout inside and an updated engine lineup that included either a 136-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 151 hp (sedan only). The trim levels were renamed S, SE and SES. The wagon and hatchback were dropped after the '07 model year.

Our editors were quite fond of the Ford Focus in its earlier years, and the car earned Editors' Most Wanted award designations from 2000-'03. Although we consider the first-generation model a good, inexpensive buy on the used market, the Focus' reliability record hasn't been ideal, particularly regarding the 2000 models.

User Reviews:

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  FINALLY Euro Focus is here! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By lifeisahighway - April 3 - 5:28 am

  I just took delivery of my 2012 Ford Focus SE Hatch on Sept. 17th. So far, the car has been reliable, but time will tell. I have read many reviews complaining about the dual clutch auto, and I havent experienced anything negative with it. I do notice that the transmission is reluctant to accelerate from a stop, but I think thats because the engine needs to rev higher. That is when the car opens up more. My previous car was a 2000 Toyota corolla, so ANYTHING is an upgrade from that! Most features that people take for granted, I LOVE having now. The very first day, I did notice some rough shifts, but I think that was just the car breaking in. The car has been smooth shifting since then.

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  i like it okay - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Rev E. Lation - April 1 - 10:00 am

  of course i would have rather drove out in one of those T birds that i couldnt stop looking at while i was buying this car, but i have to admit i like this car. i am six foot three and i noticed right away that the steering wheel was smaller than usual so my knees were not wrapped around it, plus the height of the car left plenty of room for me. i am used to feeling smashed into a car as small as this, and for once i feel it was made for me, especially since the seat actually lowers. i have never owned a new car before, and i have to agree with everyone else, this is fun to drive, and the sound system is pretty nice.

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  Review Ford ZX3 Hatchback - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Horstedt - March 30 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent small car with good power (5 speed trans.),excellent manuver- ability,ample interior roominess,and very good styling. As a means of local and intermediate travel, it is an excellent choice. I have used it to travel from San Francisco to Oregon in comfort and safety (good breaks and air bags front and side).

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  Huge Compact Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By eyeisagem - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car to be able to transport me and my bicycles around on for low cost (gas, insurance, etc). This has fit the bill better than any other. I can fit two bikes in the back with the seats down by making a fork mount, which completely suits my life style. No other wagon would have the headroom to allow the seats to clear.

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  Sweet Sweet - 2001 Ford Focus
  By PerryEllis6813 - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I got this car a month ago and it has been all fun. I have had no problems with it. I love the high rpms and keeping up with my friends and their V6s is no prob. Heck I beat most of them in a race. I would recommend this car for everyone. The ones that complain about this car probably drive it like crap, with their feet out the window and cell phones glued to their head. Respect a car, and it wont go wrong on you, but if you insist on flooring it after every light, and slamming on the brakes at the next light, then yeah, no crap you got problems. But as for me, this car has been nothing but fun, and I dont see any problems in the future with this car.

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  Pleasantly Surprised! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Michelle - March 24 - 6:30 pm

  I have driven SUVs for the past 9 years. With the rising prices of gas I thought id entertain the idea of a car. The 2008 Focus looks good and gets awesome gas mileage. I originally looked at the SE model with ABS and traction control. My local dealer showed me that the SES is the same price after adding options to an SE. SYNC is incredible. Dont think I could live without it now.

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  One Fun Focus! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Maree - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Summing it up in a nutshell. Dont consider the purchase of any other vehicle until you have at least driven a Focus one time. It is one of the most fun and most reliable vehicles at an affordable price on the road today! Happy Driving!

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  Next car after Ford ZX2 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By handiestman - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Our 2000 year old ZX2 was still good, but I thought now was a good time to get a new car. I think this 2005 is a much better vehicle with a lot more space.There is so much more space and this trunk gives good space. Also, we have a moonroof(sunroof) and it works quite well. We really are enjoying this car!

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  happy - 2005 Ford Focus
  By jmpscooby - March 21 - 10:00 am

  i love this car and everything about it except there is no where to put your loose change in it.

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  my focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By wltdll2 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  reliable, fair gas mileage, rear carpet is poorly installed. Very goo handling.